Everyone seems to prepare for the baby by making sure the nursery is ready, bags are packed for the hospital and the car seat is ready to take your newest little angel home. Rarely do we stop to think about what the mom will need post delivery.
This “after birth postpartum must have” list is what I found myself researching right before the birth of our first child. I knew there were certain things I would need to help with the recovery process after a natural delivery. Since I wasn’t exactly sure what I would need, I asked advice from all the moms around me. Since my sister had just had a baby about six months before, she was a wealth of information and the nurses at the hospital were very helpful too. Since I could hardly find any posts written about this topic, I knew I needed to share what helped me as a new mom and made the recovery process go smoothly.
This list is not often talked about because some of the items could be considered embarrassing, or unglamorous. Even though this list is not pretty, it is definitely essential! From mom to mom, here is a comprehensive list of your after birth must haves and what should at least be available at mom’s bedside as she is recovering post-baby. You may not want to read this if you aren’t in this stage of life. š
A great tip is to gather these things and make a basket for yourself or other moms you know are about to deliver. I personally love to gather some of these items to give a small kit to those who are going to become a new mom. It can be such an unglamorous and sacrificial time for her, so feeling comfortable and cared for will go along way.
What to include in your post delivery care basket
Here’s a pin to save this idea for later! 
This is the best organic sitz bath soak for natural postpartum care recovery. Make time to start a bath, and relax with this great smelling and soothing treatment that gently cleanses, relieves pain and discomfort. Made with lavender essential oils, 100% pure epsom & dead sea salts and witch hazel, this soak is meant to promote healing after child birth.
Herbal perineal spray
I was so happy when I found this organic, relaxing and convenient herbal spray to gently cleanse and give relief to soreness. It can be used alone or with pads when you don’t have time for a longer sitz bath soak.
Post partum numbing spray
The hospital should give you a spray bottle of this awesome spray, but if they don’t its nice to have some handy. Sometimes you just need the super powerful stuff to get the job done. Spray this on to numb and give relief to the area right after birth and days after delivery.
Peri-bottle
No one tells you that it may sting or hurt a bit to use the restroom after pregnancy. I was so glad to have this bottle that made going to the bathroom way more comfortable. Simply fill the bottle with slightly warm water and spray during your restroom visit.
Nipple Cream
Oh man, this is definitely a necessity for breastfeeding moms. I chose this one as it is lanolin free (lanolin can contain pesticides) and safe for the baby. Meaning, you don’t have to worry about wiping it off before nursing. This cream is a GOD SEND to help soothe, protect and moisturize sore or cracked nipples, during and after nursing.
Breast pads
Leaks can obviously be super embarrassing, grab a box of these breastfeeding pads to keep in your bra to absorb breast milk. Whether you decide to breastfeed or not, you will need these for a little while. These are super absorbent, smooth and comfortable. I used these with my first and never had a leak through my shirt!
Breast shells (milk savers)
Something I recently found out about through other moms is this breast milk catcher that you can place in your bra to catch breast milk when nursing so you never waste a drop of breastmilk. You can pour the milk into a bottle to give to baby later. They are also supposed to help protect nipples from friction and help with relieving engorgement. I’ll be using these this time around so I don’t waste any milk!
Nighttime pads
A tip I received from other moms was to freeze some pads (you may continue to bleed for a few weeks) with this herbal perineal spray and water for relief.
Tucks pads
I froze a few pads with the herbal spray in them, or I would just put these tucks pads in the pad for the same effect (just not as cold!) The witch hazel soothes and protects irritated areas.
Nursing tanks
I basically live in these for the first few months after baby. I just put on a pair of comfy loose fitting pants, and a cardigan and call it good! It makes me feel covered enough for when visitors come over! A definite essential for breastfeeding moms.
Delivery Robe
I wore this light weight robe in the hospital and to lounge in at home. It’s super easy to nurse in, really comfortable and easy to throw on over those granny panties the hospital gives you. Wearing something pretty made me feel a lot “cuter” after a long labor. I’m also glad my first pictures with baby were in this instead of the hospital gown. LOL!
Comfy bra/ Nursing bras
I am loving these comfy bralettes that are not technically nursing bras, but definitely my favorite bras to wear lately. They are simple, soft and have the cups sewn into the bra. I also found these awesome nursing bras that are comfortable and easy to work with when you have a new baby. They are seamless, soft and clip down for easy access.
Also Read: The Truth About Breastfeeding
Rest
I can’t recommend this enough! Everyone told me to sleep when the baby sleeps, and I wish I would have more often. Accept help when others offer and try to get as much rest when you can. No reason to push yourself during this time. Sleep will be scarce and I felt like I was in survival mode the first six weeks, but we finally found a rhythm and it did get easier!
Water and Snacks
This is important to include and easy to forget! With the baby taking most of your nutrients, you need to make sure you are not getting dehydrated. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins and make sure you keep a water bottle or glass of water by you at all times! Have your significant other check and hold you accountable to staying hydrated and eating something! My appetite increased significantly when I was nursing, so I made sure to keep a basket of healthy & yummy snacks by my bed or chair where I nursed frequently.
Also read: What Iām (REALLY) Packing in my Hospital Bag
For more tips, you can hop over to my post about the lessons I learned as a new mom or read my master list of newborn must haves.
Hope you take time to enjoy those newborn snuggles!! Prayers for a safe delivery and smooth recovery process. I pray God will give us Mama’s strength and joy even when sleep is scarce! Remember, you are not alone and are doing a great job. Make sure to get support from loved ones and enjoy this season of life. It truly is just a phase that will fly by. “Babies don’t keep” and thats the truth!
Dorothy
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